Pittsburgh Steelers: Runners Should Rule the Day vs. New York Jets

This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers draw a tough opponent in the New York Jets. The Jets should be angry after two straight embarrassing losses and are naturally a very stingy opponent on defense.

This week, the offensive game plan goes against some conventional wisdom given the way the defense has ranked against the run and pass, but it is likely to be both necessary and more effective to go against the grain.

Here's a look at what the game plan should be for Pittsburgh as they take on the Jets in a Sunday afternoon clash.

Run, Run, Run

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

With Ben Roethlisberger now suffering from an apparent ankle sprain to go along with his broken foot and broken nose, it will be necessary to lean on the team's stable of running backs to create offense against New York.

In this case, I'd actually lean more heavily on Isaac Redman than Rashard Mendenhall. Here's a couple of reasons why that should be the case:

1. Mendenhall has a ton of carries already. It would be best if his workload was decreased slightly as the team heads toward a likely playoff berth. Giving Mendenhall more rest now increases the likelihood that he'll be ready later.

2. Redman is more of a downhill runner. Mendenhall likes to cut back and then explode. Against an attacking defensive front, having someone who can freight train into the hole and push ahead for tough yards might make the rushing attack much more effective.

I would at least mix the two evenly with Mewelde Moore available for some third downs and as a relief option. He's been effective in short spurts this season, so keeping him in the bullpen will be very helpful.

When You Do Pass...

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

It's official now. Ben Roethlisberger is the NFL's new iron man. He will never likely match Brett Favre's streak of 297 consecutive starts, but now that Favre is on the bench, Big Ben is the grittiest quarterback out there.

That said, it's time to try to protect him from himself and from defenses.

When the Steelers do pass the ball against New York, it will be important for Roethlisberger to get rid of the ball quickly. Look for the Steelers to possibly go back to the "pistol" formation they used so effectively against Baltimore.

Also, the Steelers will probably utilize a lot of shotgun snaps and some play fakes, particularly if the running game gets going.

I'd say the short passing game will be huge against the Jets, who do not give up a lot of big plays. Look for Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antwaan Randle El to all be factors with Hines Ward and Mike Wallace likely covered by the stellar Jets secondary.

If the Steelers get tight end Heath Miller back from injury, he could be a huge factor. The Jets miss starting safety Jim Leonhard, so the middle of the field could be more open than usual.

Offensive Keys To The Game

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on while playing against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geof

Here are five keys for the offense against the New York Jets:

1. Pass/Run Blocking Improvement

Regardless of whether or not the Steelers' offensive line is banged up, it is essential that they play better. Their quarterback is keeping their slate clean, but Roethlisberger takes a lot of hits. Jonathan Scott is probably best suited in a rotation with Trai Essex and maybe even Chris Scott if he is ready.

2. Killing the Clock

The Jets' offense has been nothing special in two games, but this is a dangerous unit if they get on a roll. To prevent that, the Steelers need to use their rushing attack and some short passes to eat the clock and keep the Jets from possessing the ball.

3. Keep Ben's Jersey Clean

Quick passes, screens, good blocking, and effective running are all essential here. Roethlisberger can't take too much more punishment and still play. He needs a break from all of the contact. The only way to do that is to ensure that he's not a target on many plays.

4. Get the Ball to Secondary Receivers

Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown have both been effective this season in the short and intermediate passing game. Getting the ball to them is essential as the team will be contending with one of the better secondaries in the NFL.

5. Keep Kicking

Field goals aren't exactly victories when it comes to drive results, but in a game that potentially could be very low scoring, making sure Shaun Suisham is set up with good opportunities is essential. To do this, make sure to avoid sacks in the red zone and keep the ball in the middle of the field, where targeting is much easier.

The Big Picture

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball on a trick play during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Imag

This game figures to be about the two defenses. Whichever one is better will win the game.

The Steelers certainly come in with a better, more consistent offense. Avoiding mistakes is essential. Mike Wallace is likely to be covered by star corner Darrelle Revis, so using all passing options will be important. If the Steelers plan to get Wallace involved, they could have him run a reverse or send him on a few go routes.

The main role of the offense on Sunday will probably be ball control. The more clock Pittsburgh can kill, particularly if they get an early lead, the better opportunity they have to win. Mark Sanchez and company have shown almost no ability to make comebacks, so the offense will be absolutely essential early on.

Look for Ben Roethlisberger to only have 20-25 attempts and for increased carries for all three Pittsburgh runners.